History

Ring 19 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians was granted its official charter Oct. 1, 1941. The first official meeting of the new club was reported in the November, 1941 issue of IBM’s The Linking Ring magazine. At the time the club was known simply as “Twin Cities Ring 19” — it had not yet been named for Carl W. Jones. Here is the write-up of that initial gala.

The event of the season, magically speaking, was the celebration of the organization of a new I.B.M. Ring No. 19, at Minneapolis, Minn. The gala occasion was attended by about 50 people, about 30 of these charter members of the new organization.

Dr. Charles Harad, who was responsible for the infant born here and christened as the Twin Cities Ring, acted as M.C.

He opened the program with the presentation of the officers of the new Ring, Clarence Decker, Pres.; Harry C. Bjorklund, Vice Pres.; and Wm. Schreiber, Sec’y-Treas.

Mr. Carl W. Jones, next took the stage and introduced Mr. Walters. Mr. Walters delivered a talk well seasoned with wit — on magic and the reason why the University of Minnesota recently purchased the Magic Library of the late Lyle Posisky.

Professor Wart, (known to us as Hal Olson) who is always bubbling over with high spirits came next. He presented a humorous talk.

“Amazing Card Amusement” was next, given by Mr. Roderick Peck.

Kenneth Spencer, next appeared on the bill with Jerry his red headed boy.

Then came Bill Bailey doing his ever famous Pitch on the “Hocus Pocus” Cards.

For the finale of an enjoyable evening John Snyder, Jr., presented some of his magic. We want to thank Mr. Snyder, as well as Dr. Harad for helping us in this endeavor of ours, organizing the Twin Cities Ring No. 19.